Renault Caravelle Technical specifications

Brand: Renault
Model: Caravelle
Type: Cars

Manufacturing of Renault Caravelle

Since: 1958
Until: 1968
Units: 117000

Dimensions de Renault Caravelle

Length: 4265 mm.
Width: 1575 mm.
Height: 1320 mm.
Wheelbase: 2265 mm.

Weight: 822 Kg.

Doors: 2

Renault Caravelle: history and specs

The Renault Caravelle is a convertible manufactured by the French brand Renault between 1958 and 1968.

During the first four years of production, it was known as the Renault Floride worldwide, except in the United States and Canada where it was called the Caravelle. This name would eventually be adopted globally.

Background and Development

The Renault Caravelle was designed as an affordable and stylish sports car, intended to compete with other European sports cars of the time, such as the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and the Fiat 1200 Spider. It was inspired by the success of the Renault Dauphine, from which it borrowed many of its mechanical features.

Launch and Features

The Renault Caravelle was officially presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1958. Its design was the work of the famous Italian designer Pietro Frua, giving it an elegant and distinctive look.

Technical Specifications

Engine:
- The Caravelle originally came equipped with an 845cc inline 4-cylinder engine, based on the one used in the Renault Dauphine.
  Later, in 1962, a more powerful version was introduced with a 956cc engine, increasing its power.
- A sportier version was also offered, known as the Caravelle 1100S, which featured a [missing information - likely a different engine type]. 1108 cc and improved power.
Style and Design:
- The Caravelle's design was distinctive, with smooth, elegant lines, recessed headlights, and a sloping rear.
- Its convertible roof, which could be stored in the trunk, made it an ideal car for enjoying open-air driving.
Comfort Features:
- Despite being a sports car, the Caravelle offered a comfortable and relatively spacious interior for two people, with well-designed seats and a pleasant driving position.

Caravelle Popularity

The Renault Caravelle was a fairly popular car in Europe and the United States, where it was sold under the Renault Floride brand due to There were problems with the name "Caravelle" in that market. Although it didn't achieve the same level of success as some of its competitors, it left a lasting impression on the history of Renault sports cars.

During its production run, the Caravelle earned a reputation as a stylish and fun-to-drive car, albeit with some limitations in terms of performance compared to other sports cars of the era. Today, the Renault Caravelle is a cult car for many classic car enthusiasts. Its distinctive design, interesting history, and relative rarity make it a covetable item for collectors and vintage car aficionados.

Despite ceasing production in 1968, the Renault Caravelle is still remembered as an example of elegant French design and as a car that captured the spirit of the age with its style and sporty character.